The 2012-13 virtual Blackhawks

Oct. 13: Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackets 1

Courtesy of EA Sports

Columbus proved to be a good warm-up opponent for the Blackhawks. The Hawks poured it on early with three first-period goals -- two by winger Marian Hossa -- and cruised to an easy 4-1 victory. Patrick Sharp also started strong by earning three assists, and goaltender Corey Crawford stopped 29 of the 30 Blue Jackets shots he faced. RECORD: 1-0

Columbus proved to be a good warm-up opponent for the Blackhawks. The Hawks poured it on early with three first-period goals -- two by winger Marian Hossa -- and cruised to an easy 4-1 victory. Patrick Sharp also started strong by earning three assists, and goaltender Corey Crawford stopped 29 of the 30 Blue Jackets shots he faced. RECORD: 1-0 (Courtesy of EA Sports)

So far, so good. The Blackhawks win their first road game against the Winnipeg Jets version 2.0 in easy, breezy fashion. Captain Jonathan Toews flipped in a goal in the second period and added another in the third period -- both assisted by hot-starting Marian Hossa ¿- to seal the deal. Corey Crawford turned in his second strong game in a row with a 22-save shutout. RECORD: 2-0

So far, so good. The Blackhawks win their first road game against the Winnipeg Jets version 2.0 in easy, breezy fashion. Captain Jonathan Toews flipped in a goal in the second period and added another in the third period -- both assisted by hot-starting Marian Hossa ¿- to seal the deal. Corey Crawford turned in his second strong game in a row with a 22-save shutout. RECORD: 2-0 (Courtesy of EA Sports)

In some alternate reality, the Blackhawks would be pursuing a Stanley Cup already. But negotiations between the NHL's owners and the players association to end the lockout continue to stall. It could be a long, cold winter for hockey fans. But RedEye gives you a taste of what might have happened if the lockout never existed. We used EA Sports' "NHL 13" game to simulate each game we'll miss out on this season. So as long as there's no real hockey, the virtual season will play on!--By Ryan Smith, For RedEyeWant more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye's Facebook page.